Re-Inventions of Love

Catalog description

Engaging Theater as an inherently interdisciplinary and innovative art form, this class proposes the investigation of love and art as a means to develop a richer understanding of what it is to be human. The course explores how the mythology, poetics, imagery, and even emotion associated with romantic love have varied dramatically over time and in different cultures. Spanning several millennia and many continents, our material will challenge us to look at gender, biology, identity, and faith as potent guides in reconciling our limitless potential for love and our inherent humanity. We will work with ancient texts like the Ramayana, the Upanishads and the Song of Songs, as well as the poetry of James Baldwin, Rumi, and Lorca; we will look at theatrical works by Zeami, Shakespeare, and Sarah Kane; the course will explore the music of Björk, Patti Smith, Anohni & The Johnsons, FKA Twigs, and Radiohead/Thom Yorke, the photography of Cindy Sherman, the paintings of Frida Kahlo and the films of David Lynch - as well as a range of other artists. Responding to artistic distillations of this rich subject with embodied imagination and curiosity, we will move towards creating our own authentic theatrical articulations and inventions, employing a range of artistic forms, including generative writing, physical work, ensemble performance, and photography. This course will be offered in January-Term 2026.